Hundre år med symfonisk outreach

Abstract

ABSTRACT. - Celebrating 100 years of musical outreach. - As we approach the 100-year anniversary of many of the Norwegian symphony orchestras, we also mark 100 years of outreach, the effort to introduce symphonic music to new audiences. Today, every fourth audience member at a professional symphony orchestra concert is a child or a young person, largely because of outreach. This article outlines the significant, but less investigated historical development of outreach. The article will also discuss the different concepts of concerts that have developed over the years, and suggest a proper terminology to describe the unique experiences that outreach has to offer. Although there has been no lack of good will concerning these concerts, there has been a striking need for historical perspective, classification and terminology that can further our ability to understand, criticize, evaluate and develop the possibilities of outreach. In its last part, the article reviews some of the challenges faced today by orchestras wishing to introduce symphonic music to new listeners. - Keywords: outreach, children’s concerts, new audiences, symphony orchestras, school concerts